Category: Avionics

Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), designer and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, announced the 3D Orthogonally woven 3DMAT Quartz Material for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) compression pads, developed through their partnership with NASA, has been named the 2023 NASA Government Invention of the Year. The award demonstrates NASA Ames Research Center’s commitment to cutting edge leadership and technology development for the nation. BRM and NASA efforts are a great example of NASA partnering with an American small business with a unique specialized technological capability that will further current and future exploration plans.

Compression pads serve as the interface between the crew module and service module of the Orion MPCV and carry the structural loads generated during launch, space operation, pyroshock separation of the two modules. The compression pads also serve as ablative TPS withstanding the high heating of earth reentry. 3DMAT leverages NASA’s investment in woven materials for the Orion compression pads that combines the weaving of quartz yarns with resin transfer molding.

The 3DMAT technology has helped BRM introduce 3D orthogonal woven materials to a range of new applications.

During a recent 2C/4C inspection, Duncan Aviation delivered a fully refurbished Falcon 2000 with a freshly painted exterior and all-new interior featuring cabinets with hydrographic finishes. In addition, the aircraft received Collins Pro Line 21 avionics upgrade, Collins Venue CMS upgrade, Gogo AVANCE L5, HUD removal, GH-39000 Electronic Standby Instrument System, LASEREF IV Inertial Reference System, and Dual USB ports.

When the aircraft arrived at Duncan Aviation’s facility in Battle Creek, Michigan, the interior material color pallet had a lot of deep browns with solid textures making the interior feel heavy and dark. The owner’s vision was to lighten up the interior and update it with a contemporary look highlighted with unique design elements.

“To achieve the owner’s vision of a modern interior, we gave the cabinets a new look that can only be achieved through hydrographics,” said Heather Pridemore, Duncan Aviation lead designer. “This process is becoming very desirable and was executed by the team at the Battle Creek facility with great detail and precision, creating a stunning natural wood look.”

Tiffany Buschini, Duncan Aviation Completions and Modifications sales rep, provided the owner with a hands-on demonstration of the hydrographic application as part of the design specification process so he would fully appreciate the detail and quality of the finished product.

“He became 100% on board,” said Buschini. “Battle Creek is using a mechanized arm that makes it possible to dip large monuments. The owner was ecstatic with the result.”

To create a personal, one-of-a-kind feeling for the owner, the Duncan Aviation team added unique elements throughout the aircraft, giving it that “special touch.” The lower sidewalls feature a full-depth, hand-tipped leather, and luxury vinyl flooring was installed in the entry and lavatory, balancing a high-end look with ease of maintenance.

Pridemore credits the amazing results to talented and supportive teams. “Together, we create new and inspiring designs,” said Pridemore. “This Falcon 2000 turned out beautifully, with so many subtle details, creating a unique masterpiece.”

Summit Aviation’s Annual Cancer Survivor Flight Camp returned for its 9th year in July. The camp was begun in 2014 by Summit Aviation’s president, Ben Walton, to help young cancer survivors move on after treatment.

During this camp, which happens the week of July 17-21, four young adult cancer survivors — Andrew, Sophi, Hunter and Courtney- will take to the skies over Montana for a five-day flying adventure. Summit holds the camp out of its headquarters at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Held in partnership with Eagle Mount Bozeman, the camp’s participants are selected through Eagle Mount’s Big Sky Kids program. Throughout the course of the week each camper will accumulate over ten hours of actual flight time in Summit’s state-of-the-art Diamond training aircraft. “The campers are always amazed by how much actual flying they get to do,” says Walton.

The annual Flight Camp is completely donor funded with meals being supplied by local restaurants and grocery stores. “It’s really cool to see the community come together to support this program,” said Walton. “It takes a lot of very generous people to make this happen every year and it’s really exciting to see everyone come together to make it possible.”

In addition to their daily flights around Montana, the campers get to spend the afternoons exploring rarely seen areas of the airport like the air traffic control tower, FBOs, private hangars and commercial airline operations. The week culminates in a cross-country flight to Driggs, Idaho, during which the campers get to fly over Yellowstone National Park and see the Grand Tetons.

For these young cancer survivors Flight Camp is much more than just an adventure camp. As past camper Martín (2021) put it, many of our campers are “struggling to find their place in the world” after so much uncertainty. For those who have had to live just one day at a time, the future is an ambiguous prospect. Flight Camp opens a whole new world of opportunity for these young survivors. Suddenly anything is possible again. If they can fly a plane, they can do anything! That powerful realization leaves each participant with a new sense of self, achievement, and confidence in their abilities.

HAECO announced the appointment of Richard Sell as its new chief executive officer. He assumed the role on July 1, 2023, succeeding Frank Walschot, who will remain as an advisor to the company.
With 20 years of leadership experience in a diverse range of industries and corporate structures, Sell brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He most recently served as CEO of Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Ltd. (HAESL), a 50/50 joint venture between HAECO and Rolls-Royce, and as a director of Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Company Ltd. and Goodrich Asia-Pacific Ltd.

Sell held management positions with several Swire group companies, including Cathay Pacific Airways, Swire Pacific, The China Navigation Company, Swire Energy Services and Swire Pacific Offshore in Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Europe. During this time, he gained experience in various sectors, including aviation, marine, retail and distribution, and was responsible for both wholly owned subsidiaries and joint ventures covering Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

As the CEO of HAECO, Sell will be responsible for overseeing the group’s operations and business strategy, with a focus on driving safety, quality, and operational excellence to meet the needs of its diverse global customer base.

“I am delighted to join HAECO and lead this dynamic organization into its next phase of growth,” said Sell. “HAECO has an outstanding reputation for providing quality services and for its ‘can-do’ spirit. I am excited to work with the talented team to build on this legacy and to drive the company’s continued success.”

He holds a degree from the University of Leeds and has also attended INSEAD and Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Eaton and SIA Engineering Company have signed an agreement to form a component MRO joint venture (JV). The JV will inspect, test, repair, maintain, modify and overhaul Eaton-manufactured aircraft components installed on airframe and engine fuel systems and hydraulics systems.

The JV builds presence and service capacity for Eaton and SIAEC customers in the Asia Pacific region. Under the agreement, Eaton will hold a 51% equity stake in the JV, with SIAEC holding the remaining 49%. The initial issued and paid-up share capital will be USD 16 million. Eaton and SIAEC will each subscribe to the shares in cash and in proportion to their corresponding equity stake. The agreement and services to be provided are subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals.

“The relationship with Eaton in Malaysia is strategic for SIAEC as we have been growing component capabilities and increasing the competitiveness of our component ‘Power-by-the-Hour’ product offering,” said Ng Chin Hwee, CEO of SIAEC. “This JV will be an important platform to build capabilities on new-generation aircraft and will complement our existing portfolio of engine and component JVs with other leading original equipment manufacturers.”

“This new venture will combine SIA Engineering Company’s experience and well-respected position in the region with Eaton’s global reach and existing customer base,” said Nanda Kumar, president, Aerospace Group, Eaton. “We look forward to building our regional presence to serve customers throughout the product lifecycle in this growing market.”

Airforms now offers FAA-PMA baffles for Cessna 172 B & C configurations as a replacement for your existing assemblies. These new baffles have undergone individual PMA approval and can be purchased as standalone units or as a complete set. The reinforced design ensures extended durability and reduces metal fatigue failures. Each baffle assembly has the option of either a bare metal finish or a powder coated finish which enhances corrosion resistance. Baffles are available with high-temp silicone seals that have a thin fiberglass center, or with the McFarlane premium cowl saver.

Airforms is leading in FAA-PMA approved engine baffles. They offer baffles for a wide range of Cessna 172 models and are continuously expanding their product line to ensure extensive coverage. With manufacturing operations based at the Airforms Center for Engine Baffle Excellence in Wasilla, AK, the company ensures excellent quality in all its baffles. Airforms has recently become a member of the McFarlane Aviation family of brands.

McFarlane Aviation is located in Baldwin City, Kansas, and is a leading provider of high-quality aircraft parts, accessories, and innovative solutions for general aviation. Each individual product is meticulously engineered, ensuring exceptional quality and extended lifespan. McFarlane is a distinguished owner of a diverse family of brands, including CJ Aviation, Flight-Resource/MT Props, and Airforms.

Aviator Airport Alliance, a full-range provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics, has set a goal of becoming net-zero by 2030, cementing the organization’s commitment to sustainability.

“As a group, we have a strategic target of net zero emissions for our operations by 2030, with an even more ambitious goal of reaching carbon neutral by 2026,” explained Jo Alex Tanem, CEO of Aviator Airport Alliance. “We firmly believe that by incorporating sustainable fuel into our operations and transitioning our ground support equipment (GSE) fleet to electric power, we can confidently accomplish this objective.”

In Sweden, Aviator has made progress in transitioning to electric GSE, with the current proportion standing at 65% and continuing to increase annually. Furthermore, Aviator at Malmö Airport has been fossil fuel-free and using only hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuels since 2021 and Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport joined the fossil-free list at the start of 2023, while Arlanda Airport, currently at 85%, is on track to be fully fossil-free latest by the end of 2024.

“Aside from eliminating fossil fuels from our operations, we have also been focusing on performing fully green turnarounds. In 2021, we performed our first all-electric turnarounds for Ryanair and Norwegian at Arlanda Airport, and at the beginning of this summer, we completed the first all-electric turnaround for Lufthansa at Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport. Each time we complete such tasks, we feel proud to be able to serve our clients with integrity and sustainability on our minds,” Jo Alex Tanem shared.

Aviator has been striving to reduce its impact on the environment for years, introducing sustainable practices into operations. With most of the company’s emissions coming from the usage of vehicles and other equipment when delivering ramp service or de-icing to airline customers, Aviator has been paying special attention to the efficiency of operations and energy saving.

Aviator Airport Alliance is part of Avia Solutions Group, providing aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, with a fleet of 180 aircraft. The group also provides various aviation services such as MRO, pilots and crew training, ground handling and other interconnected solutions.